Government to identify lakes for immersion

HYDERABAD: The state government would identify suitable lakes in and around the Greater Hyderabad for immersion of Ganesh idols at the end of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

The government would like to spread out the immersion activity to lakes in different parts of the city to avoid traffic congestion and ensure smooth and peaceful festivities,

Home minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy on Wednesday said that the government would also look into increasing the number of cranes used for immersion at Hussainsagar and other lakes.

A meeting on arrangements for Ganesh Nimajjan 2014 along with representatives of the Ganesh Utsav Committee and officials of GHMC, police, Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), Southern Power Distribution Company Limited, irrigation, roads and buildings (R&B) and other officials was held at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

Speaking at the meeting, the home minister said the state government would take steps to promote clay idols with the help of Pollution Control Board and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

Deputy chief minister Mahmood Ali said the government would make arrangements for a grand celebration of the festival as this would be the first Ganesh Chaturthi in the new Telangana state.

He said the government successfully conducted Bonalu and Ramzan festivals and would continue the practice with Ganesh Chaturthi.

Representatives of Ganesh Utsav Committee assured all support to the state government departments for smooth conduct of Ganesh Navaratri and in maintain law and order during the festival. Minister P Mahender Reddy, T Padma Rao, MPs Bandaru Dattatreya, V Hanumantha Rao, CS Rajiv Sharma were present.